The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-05-19
The Most Prominent Russian.

Odessa Correspondence London Daily NeDs
As M. Katkoff is just now the most promi-
nent person in the political as in the journal
istic world of Russia, it may not prove I'M
interesting if | give you some brief particu-
lars of his public career. Michael Nikifro-
witch Katkcff was born at Moscow in 1918,
and is therefore now in his 69th year. After
being educated in his native city M. Katkoff
proceeded to Konigsberg and subsequently
to Berlin, in both of which places he dill
gently pursued a course of studies prepare
tory to professorship in the University of
Moscow, where he in due course filled the
chair of philosophy About the year 1S4S
NJ. Katkoff, like most of the representatives
of the intellect of his country, became
suspect, and was subjected to the surveil-
lance of the police. At that period all the
chairs of philosophy in Russia were abol-
ished, and of course be ceased to occupy
his. Subsequently he made frequent and
lengthy visits to friends in the Isle of Wight,
and manifested a marked prediction
for English institutions In 1856 he founded
a monthly review, the Russian Messenger,
which was at first a Liberal organ, that is,
as Tar as any Russian organ may be thus
termed. To the Russian Messenger Tsche-
drin, the celebrated Russian satiriSt, was
one of the earliest contributors, and it was
in that review he first published his Gubern-
skie Otscherki Sketches of Provincial Life.
Turgenieff was also n contributor TO the
Messenger, in which first appeared his Otsy
i Deity Fathers and Sons and other works.
In scholastic literature NJ. Katkoff wrote
only two books. Son the Elements and
Forms of the Slave Russian Language
of Greek Philosophy" He alone founded
and edited the Russian Messenger, but he
had companion in the editorship of the
Moscow Gazette, Prof. Leontieff, an old
schoolfellow and colleague, and at all times
a close and inseparable friend.
NJ. Katkof early displayed strong imagii
native power, and his strength lay-in his
best days at least-less in criticism than in
the creative faculty. His guide, philosopher
and friend was Prof Leontief, whom he
afterward made director of his Lyceum on
the establishment of that institution in
Moscow About two years previous to the
last Polish revolution, III. Katkoif began an
onslaught against the unfortunate Poles,
which he carried on so fiorcely that the
government interfered. This may be said
TO have have been the turning point in his
career. He defied the government. 1t or
dered him to publish its censulc for given
number of days in his own journal under a
penalty of 1000 roubles a day. This censure
was worded so severely as to be directly in
sulting to him. The first day fixed for its
publication arrived, but the Moscow
Gazette contained no hint or the
matter The Russian newspapers were u.s.
tonished at NJ. Katkoff' temerity. The
penalty was imposed and paid for eleven
days. The censure was not only never pub
lished but the government ultimately re-
turned the fines. M. Katkof obtained a
triumph. Following closely upon this event
came the Polish revolution of 1863. His
prophecies were fulfilled He was feted and
BATTERED. Deputations Of students from all
the universities went to Moscow to con-
graduate the far-seeing politician and versa
tile scholar and journalist. Since that time
the imperial policy of the empire Leontiefi
duced such a deep effect on M.
Katkoff that his life was for some
time despaired of. In the latter
wears of .Turgenieff IS life political differ
ences arose between M. Katoff and the Rus
sian publicist. After 1880 Turgenieffs
name never appeared in the Mosco,U
Gazette. When the great writer died, and
the Russian press, in mourning columns.
teemed with laudatory obituary notices and
biographical sketches of the patriot, poet,
and novelist, tue MOSQUE Gazette gave not
the slightest notice of the event This was
perhaps the most unworthy act of NJ. Kat
koff's Journalistic career. There is this much
to be said of NJ. Katof that he possesses the
courage of his opinions. 1t is impossible,
indeed, to withhold certain admiration of
his character as politician and journalist.
If Russia possessed q few more mon of his
stamp, and they were devoted solely to the
welfare of the people, the sorely needed
redemption of the country would be rapidly
brought about